The recommendations on buildings and efficiency coming out of New Brunswick last week reflect the hard work CEEA, Pembina and TAF undertook leading
up to the Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference. The discussion and outcomes targeted how to meet clean growth objectives while encouraging a competitive economy.

Earlier this month CEEA, Pembina and TAF and seven other organizations also sent a
letter to Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, and Catherine McKenna, Minster of Environment and Climate Change to support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework. Those recommendations outline how to help transform the built environment to one that is ultra-energy efficient and low carbon. Ideas include a call for a net-zero energy-ready model building code by 2030, accelerating retrofits and emissions reductions in existing buildings, and a new public financing authority focussed on energy efficiency and building renewal. The letter was also signed by Architecture Canada, Council for Clean Capitalism, MaRS Advanced Energy Centre, Équiterre, Passive House Canada, Association Québécoise pour la Maîtrise de l'Énergie and Sustainable Buildings Canada.

Great energy efficiency programs need strong local partners

Energy Efficiency Q & A: Amelia Warren, EfficiencyOne Scotia

Amelia Warren is the Director, Customer Experience & Partnerships at

Warren says energy efficiency has to be made tangible for customers.

EfficiencyOne, operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, and a CEEA board member. Prior to joining EfficiencyOne in 2013 she was with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Q. What are the keys to Efficiency Nova Scotia's success?A. One of the keys to our success is our model, we're an independent, non-profit organization and we have a focussed mandate. In many jurisdictions, energy efficiency programming is administered by utilities or by government, but our independent model has allowed us to focus on achieving energy savings and develop expertise in program design and delivery. We also understand the importance of partnership. We work closely with our stakeholders, and with a number of partners to deliver energy efficiency services - everyone from community groups to contractors to engineers and architects to retailers and manufacturers. Supporting the growth of the local energy efficiency industry is a key part of what we do.

Q. How did the $56.3 million in funding from the federal government happen? What projects are in the works?A. We work closely with the Nova Scotia government - they've been very supportive of energy efficiency's role in combatting climate change and included energy efficiency projects as a key part of their commitments under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. In fact, we were extremely pleased to see energy efficiency featured prominently in nearly every province's response to the Framework, and to see our work in Nova Scotia recognized as a best practice. We're proud to be part of Nova Scotia's success to date, but there is enormous potential to do more. Federal funding will allow us to expand our existing programs and services to include all fuels, and to reach even more customers.

Q. Partnerships are a key part of your role. What is your approach to making effective partnerships?A. First and foremost, we work with local businesses to deliver our services so we understand that effective partnerships are critical to our success. We select our delivery partners through a competitive tendering process, but we also work with a wide range of industry partners through our Efficiency Trade Network, including contractors, insulators, engineers, architects, distributors, and consultants - anyone who touches our customers. The network is a great source of feedback for us on how we're doing so we can improve. We hear about processes that maybe don't work as well as they could, we get ideas for new product rebates - all of it helps us deliver the best services...MORE

EE News

CEEA & MEMBER UPDATESCEEA recommendations for renegotiating NAFTA; To protect and enhance trade in professional services CEEA's advice to Global Affairs Canada included improving the permit process for meetings and streamlining certification for standards.

CEEA members win contract with IESO: CIET Canada and Posterity Group will be providing training and consulting services along with IESO. Services include organizing events, training and marketing materials. CIET will also has the sole commercial license to deliver CAN-QUEST training in Canada until Mar. 31, 2019.